"Does anyone out there have experience of recognition programmes in multi-country environments and particularly in Western and Northern Continental Europe (outside UK and Ireland)? I recently completed a course of study in HR Management at the University of Paris, and it was clear that , in France at least, such programmes are considered gimmicky and ""cheap"". I've even heard of examples where people have turned down an award and asked not to have their name published. I understand that this is not uniquely a French phenomenon and was wondering whether anyone has come across similar experiences in other countries, and/or, if they have examples where such resistance was overcome?"

It is always a risk with formal recognition policies that their application will poorly delivered. In my experience, recognition of an employee's contribution is valid in all countries. But the application of any formal recognition must be adapted to local culture. For example, individual recognition will be culturally rejected in many Asian countries where team contribution is more valued. In other countries, it is who delivers the recognition that matters, and that may not be the line manager.

Your course leaders should tell you how to deliver recognition in France. What did they say?

Answered

Sorry! Something went wrong on our end. Please try again later.

Derek Irvine

January 21, 2011 05:09 PM

Michael, this is a good question. Perception depends greatly on implementation, program structure, and communication of the program and how it works. We've implemented many programs globally, including for employees in France and elsewhere in Europe. Anything can be perceived as gimmicky depending on method of presentation and reward involved. We encourage much more focus be given up front to communicating to employees the philosophy behind recognition, the value to employees and to the company when employees recognize each other for the contributions and efforts, and rewards that are truly meaningful to the employee (e.g. vast choice they can make themselves within in their own country, own neighborhoods...not a logo on a coffee mug).